Backwoods Smokers Takes Backyard BBQ Title

Thousands of dollars were spent in Bolivar as the Bolivar BBQ Blowout and Music Festival hit downtown Bolivar October 22-23.

“It was a great day in Bolivar with the return of competitive barbecue sanctioned by the Memphis Barbecue Network,” said Director Suzanne Rhea.

Seventeen professional teams and ten backyard teams competed for prizes, with musical act for bookends entertained each night.

Wining the backyard contest was the Backwoods Smokers, sponsored by the Vaughan Oil Company (see photo right).

Runner up in the Backyard was Puttin’ Piggies. Taking the individual categories were Backwoods Smokers in Chicken and Pork, and United Pork Smokers in Ribs.

Professional Prizes were won by Blue Collar BBQ in Ribs, The Great Pig in the Sky in Whole Hog, and Poker Porkers in Pulled Pork. Poker Porkers took the overall prize (see photo below) and a $2,500 check for their efforts.

The prizes for the teams were created by the Bolivar Central High School Woodworking Class, led by Mark Fulghum (see right) and with wood donated by Northside Sawmill.

“Twenty-seven teams vied for over $17,000 in prizes and trophies and nearly 3,000 people enjoyed live music and vendors during the event. Many thanks to the City of Bolivar, DevCo, Bolivar Main Street and all of our sponsors who helped make this event possible,” said Rhea.

A survey of the professional teams found they: Traveled an average of 126 miles one way; Brought an average of five people with them; Had an average of three people stay in a hotel; Spent an average of $406 at hotels; Spent an average of $178 on fuel; Spent an average of $189 in restaurants; and Spent an average of $183 shopping at various businesses. The total  estimated spent was $16,252.